Allied Florists of Houston

Participants of a behavioral study conducted by researchers at Harvard University and Massachusetts General Hospital confirmed that they feel least positive in the early morning hours but reported being happier and more energetic after looking at flowers at the start of their day.

Through an alliance, the Society of American Florists and Flower Promotion Organization launched a public relations campaign in early October 2007 promoting the study's results.

Nancy Etcoff, Ph.D., of Harvard Medical School and Massachusetts General Hospital and her research team investigated the effects of flowers in the home environment on well being. Fifty-four people, ages 25-60, were studied using a series of self-report measures allowing the research team to know where the person was, with whom and what they were doing when they experienced an emotion, both when flowers were and were not present. Half of the participants received a control home décor item, other than flowers, to ensure study validity. After living with either flowers or the control intervention for approximately one week, participants rated their feelings during specific periods of the day, recording emotions during each episode.

"The morning blahs, it turns out, is a real phenomenon,
with positive moods — happiness, friendliness and warmth
for example — manifesting much later in the day.
Interestingly, when we placed a small bouquet of flowers
into their morning routine, people perked up."

~ Nancy Etcoff, Ph.D.

Dr. Etcoff is referencing the fact that participants in the study responded to the flowers, which had been placed in rooms they frequented in the morning. Overall, the participants reported they liked to look at the blooms first thing in the morning, particularly in the kitchen. The final study results demonstrate that flowers impact people emotionally at home, causing them to feel less anxious and more compassionate. They even reported a boost of energy that lasted through their day.

“What I find interesting is that by starting the day
in a more positive mood, you are likely to transfer
those happier feelings to others
– it’s what is called mood contagion.
The kitchen is the place where families tend
to gather in the morning – imagine how big a
difference a better morning mood can make.”

~ Nancy Etcoff, Ph.D.

"There are just so many places for flowers in the kitchen — the room where we spend most of our waking time," says Rebecca Cole, host of Discovery Home Channel's Surprise by Design, provides advice for displaying flowers in the kitchen. "From the breakfast nook to the table to the countertop, flowers just belong. It's even the most convenient room to change the water!"

Cole suggests the following tips for experimenting with color to trying new, dramatic styles to the creative use of containers.

Cut flower stems short and place flowers in interesting or everyday kitchen containers such as tea tins, jelly jars, salt and peppershakers or even pretty wine glasses. Pick something to match your personal style.
To make a big “wow” statement, choose lots of one type of flower. Take off the leaves below the waterline and place them in a big jug, teapot, coffee tin or water pitcher for a burst of cheer. Select surprising color combinations to make a bold statement.
For example, try red and purple stems in grouped vases. Or, use monochromatic flowers, from one color family, to create a simple, pleasing effect.
Choose citrus-colored flowers for a sunny feeling. Place a bud vase holding a few stems of yellow and orange blooms inside a bowl filled with oranges. Or, place a narrow vase of flowers inside a wider, but equally tall, vase. Fill the larger vase with lemons or limes to surround the smaller vase for a fresh look.
Play off of accent colors in your kitchen to bring a splash of color with flowers. Look around and match flowers to decorative wall plates, placemats or curtains to pull out key accent colors.
Line three bud vases or decorative bottles, low or tall, along the middle of your kitchen table or along your sink for a fun, dramatic effect. It’s also a great conversation starter when guests drop by.
Inspire neatness. Place flowers where kitchen clutter typically congregates to prevent future messes from settling there.

“What could be simpler than bringing home a few blooms to brighten your kitchen table and your mood?” says Cole. “Experiment, design and smile.”

See Rebecca Cole's Kitchen Design Tips:

Floral Designs for Kitchens

The morning flowers campaign is part of the Home Ecology of Flowers Study program. Commissioned by the SAF/FPO Alliance and conducted by a research team at Harvard University and Massachusetts General Hospital in 2006, the study revealed that people feel more compassionate toward others, have less worry and anxiety, and feel less depressed when fresh cut flowers are present in the home.

The Association of Professional Florists

When you look for a florist, look for the Allied Florist logo
- your assurance of Professional Quality and Service.

Allied Florists of Houston

The Association of Professional Florists

When you look for a florist, look for the Allied Florist logo - your assurance of Professional Quality and Service.

When you look for a florist, look for the Allied Florist logo
- your assurance of Professional Quality and Service.